China launches world’s first electromagnetic catapult-equipped amphibious assault ship Type 076
China on Friday launched its first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, a type of large vessel an expert said is the first of its kind in the world equipped with electromagnetic catapult and arresting technology, allowing it to launch manned and unmanned combat aircraft in addition to helicopters similar to an aircraft carrier.
China launched its first Type 076 new-generation amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, in Shanghai on Friday, the Xinhua News Agency reported. Named after Southwest China’s Sichuan Province, the independently-developed new vessel was put into the water at a launch and naming ceremony. It was given the hull number 51.
The Sichuan is a new generation of amphibious assault ship of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. It is a key equipment to promote the transformation and development of the PLA Navy and enhance its far seas combat capability, China Bugle, an official media account affiliated with PLA’s news media centre, reported on Friday.
It has a full load displacement of more than 40,000 tons, is equipped with a double island superstructure and a full longitudinal flight deck, and innovatively applies electromagnetic catapult and arresting technology. It can carry fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and amphibious equipment, according to China Bugle.
After the ship is launched, equipment commissioning, mooring tests, and navigation tests will be carried out as planned, China Bugle reported. The Type 076 amphibious assault ship is characterized by its large displacement, which is among the top in the world. This means the vessel can carry more weapons and equipment, has longer range and stronger combat capabilities, Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times on Friday.
It is the world’s first amphibious assault ship equipped with electromagnetic launching technology. This means it can not only carry helicopters, but also fighter aircraft like the J-15, Zhang said. Electromagnetic launching technology leads to higher launch efficiency and faster launch speed, so the Type 076 has outstanding capabilities in air superiority and land assault missions, he said.
The vessel also has excellent amphibious assault capabilities, as it can carry an amphibious combat battalion to quickly reach the target area for landing operations. It has strong comprehensive combat capability, capable of conducting horizontal landing as well as airborne operations, Zhang said. Global Times
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